There’s nothing better than a soak in hot mineral waters, infinity pools or hot tub after a full day on the slopes. Christie Hampton gives you the best hot tubs in the swankiest chalets in Europe and North America.
Scandinave Spa, Whistler, Canada
This 20,000 foot Nordic-inspired outdoor spa is nestled within a forest located just minutes from Whistler Village. It comes complete with both hot and cold running waterfalls, plunge pool, a eucalyptus steam room and wood burning Finnish sauna. Be prepared for maximum muscle melting as you saturate yourself in the calming waters, all while planning which part of Whistler Blackcomb you’ll be shredding in the morning.
Igloo Village, Zermatt, Austria
Igloo Village is constructed each year in the Swiss Alps, 2,700 meters above sea level. This network of igloos can accommodate up to 38 guests, each housed in igloos that can withstand down temperatures down to -40 degrees. The Village comes complete with several hot tubs, built within caverns cut into the snow. We’d like to think that this is how the Eskimos used to wind down after a day on the slopes too.
Chalet N, Oberlech, Austria
Chalet N features not one, but two magnificent outdoor hot tubs along with an indoor heated spa and accompanying whirlpool. The chalet itself cost US$53 million to construct and you’ll pay around US$30,000 a week to stay there. The kitchen is manned by 26 staff including two permanent chefs. There’s a cinema, a hairdresser, and ice bar and a health club. When all this is on offer, surely skiing is just an afterthought.
Bighorn, Revelstoke, Canada
Offering incredible views across the Columbia River and Monashee Mountains, this hot tub will have you soaking until your skin feels like it’s peeling off. If you do manage to get out of the tub, the lodge has its own helipad, which means direct access to some of the best heli skiing in North America.
The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland
This is where Sir Richard Branson calls home when he decides to strap on a pair of skis and go for a schuss. The Lodge is part of Branson’s unique Virgin Limited Edition Retreats and offers the best in on snow luxury, especially where hot tubbing is concerned. You’ll find indoor / outdoor heated Jacuzzis along with an indoor pool and steam room. And if you prefer your domestic bodies of water frozen there’s an outdoor ice skating and curling rink.
Amangani, Jackson Hole Wyoming
Drop your body into the hot tub at the uber swanky Amangani near Jackson Hole and expect to share bubbles with Hollywood A list types, Fortune 500s and those who appreciate the finer things in life served up with discretion. Amangani has one of the best views from any hot tub and pool in the snow world.
Sunshine Mountain Lodge, Sunshine Village, Canada
If you’re after a post-ski splash then the outdoor hot pool at Sunshine Mountain Lodge is the spot for you. It’s the largest of its kind in the Banff area which means there’s plenty of room to stretch out and soak.
Deer Lodge, Lake Louise, Canada
The Canadian Rockies aren’t just great mountains to slide on, they’re also pretty darn nice to look at. Deer Lodge’s glorious homage to full body hydro-immersion is located on its roof, offering 360 views of the surrounding mountains including Mount Lefroy, Mount Victoria and Mount Fairview.
CMH Heli Skiing lodge hot tubs
You’ve been thrashing the thighs heli skiing deep powder in open bowls, steep glades and mellow roll overs with some pillow runs thrown in for good measure. It would be rude not to soak those same thighs in a hot tub on a roof top, lake front or in the snow, right? CMH Heli ski lodges each have their own unique tubs to make the most of the scenery and the crew.
Rifugio Scouattoli, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, this barrel shaped hot tub made of wooden slats is a complete original. It’s heated by a wood-burning stove and can be accessed at night by an illuminated chairlift. Sitting at 7,400 feet and offering views of the spectacular Cinque Torre or 5 Towers, this is a bathing experience at a whole new level.
Christie Hampton is a mad keen skier, she was the editor of Powderhound, founded The Daily Flake in Niseko and was a producer for the Weather Channel. She has been known to spend days pruning up in hot tubs around the snow globe.
Impressive list, but I believe you really have to add Bagni Vecchio Bormio Italy, even Leonardo Da Vinci hung out there and the remote hot springs near Furano Japan deep in the woods, and ooh ooh Strawberry Park Steamboat, USA
All very nice but I doubt you could “get naked” at any of them. If Japan’s not on the list, pretty hard to take it seriously.